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Asbestos, the very name makes many people nervous. It’s a hazardous material
that can kill; who wants a home with asbestos in or on it?
There is no doubt that asbestos is a hazardous
material and can cause certain types of lung cancer; however, like
most environmental health issues, a lack of knowledge can cause undo
concern in some cases. Over the years we have often had to answer
questions and concerns regarding asbestos containing materials found
both on the exterior and interior of the home. In this news letter
we will be addressing one of those materials found on the exterior
of the home, and try to provide answers to the most common questions
we are asked.
ASBESTOS-CEMENT SIDING
A little history:
Asbestos-cement products could be found in the U.S.
from about the 1920’s on. Around 1940 a construction boom was
underway and the use of asbestos-cement in building products boomed
as well. Far from the feared health risk some see it today, it was
celebrated as a kind of miracle material. It could be produced to
look like wood for siding and roofing homes, therefore just as
attractive. However, it was fireproof and termite proof, where as
wood is not. Because of this, the view point of that time was, a
home with asbestos-cement siding or roofing shingles was considered
safer than a home with wood. Sales did well, about a billion sq. ft.
produced for building materials by the 1950’s
THE DEATH OF ASBESTOS-CEMENT SIDING PRODUCTION:
In 1970 the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) was
established. Use of asbestos-cement products, including siding and
roofing, continued to grow for another three years. Production and
sales came to a crashing halt when the EPA implemented the first ban
on asbestos in 1973.
Once celebrated as a wonder material, making homes safer from
fire, wood destroying insects and rot; asbestos was now considered a
hazardous material.
ASBESTOS-CEMENT SIDING & ROOFING - A
HAZARD?
The EPA defines an asbestos containing material as a potential
hazard when it becomes "friable." Friable means the asbestos
containing material can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to
powder by hand pressure. In this condition, the asbestos fibers can
be released into the air and breathed in, which of course is the
hazard to our health.
With any asbestos containing material, the EPA recommends that if
it is in good condition (not friable), the best thing to do is to
LEAVE IT ALONE. Removing or covering it creates a greater potential
for the release of asbestos than leaving it untouched when in good
condition.
The fortunate thing about asbestos-cement products like siding
and roofing shingles, is that it is typically not in a friable
condition. The cement binds the asbestos fibers together and
prevents release of the asbestos. This is not to say asbestos-cement
products cannot be a hazard. It can become a hazard if severe
deterioration disturbs the asbestos. Improper handling such as
chipping, grinding, sawing, scrapping, or sanding can also release
asbestos, creating a hazard.
So what do you do if you have damaged asbestos-cement siding or
roofing and you want to repair it, or side over it, or re-roof your
home?
PAINTING:
Hairline cracks can often be repaired by
inserting a clear epoxy into the crack. Epoxy will not last for
ever. Over time it will loose its effectiveness due to Ultra Violet
Rays. For cracks that are a little larger, portland cement mixed to
a flowing consistency is recommended.
REPAIR:
Hairline cracks can often be repaired by working
a clear epoxy into the crack Epoxy will not last for ever. Over time
it will loose its effectiveness due to UV. For cracks that are a
little larger, portland cement mixed to a flowing consistency is
recommended.
When the siding is actually broken and pieces are missing, then
the damaged sections should be replaced (see below for disposal of
damaged sections). Since asbestos-cement is no longer manufactured
in the U.S. a substitute must be found. According to an article
provided to us by both the EPA and the CT Dept. of Public Health,
some materials have been manufactured to replicate asbestos-cement
building components such as non-asbestos reinforced cement,
fiberboard with asphalt, metal and vinyl. However, we do not believe
these are easily found and some searching may be required.
SIDING OVER ASBESTOS-CEMENT SIDING WITH VINYL:
You are allowed to side over asbestos-cement
siding, it does not have to be removed. Remember, removal is the
last option because this is where the greatest potential to create a
hazard exists. A covering of insulation board should be applied
first, than the vinyl siding can be installed over
Sometimes removal of asbestos-cement products are necessary.
While siding over asbestos-cement siding is preferred there may be
times when its removal is warranted. Asbestos roof shingles should
not be roofed over. When it is time to re-roof, the asbestos-cement
shingles will have to be carefully and properly removed and disposed
of.
The Federal government has no regulations on this subject. The
State of Connecticut has no laws prohibiting a homeowner or general
contractor from removing asbestos-cement siding or roofing as long
as they follow these provisions:
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The asbestos-cement material must be disposed
as asbestos waste. Waste must be adequately wet, double bagged,
labeled with generator name (person doing the removal), and site
address. A licensed waste hauler must be used to haul the
asbestos. All asbestos waste is sent out of the state.
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Power tools cannot be used – because no
cutting, sanding, abrading is permitted.
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A layer of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting should
be installed or placed on the ground around the foundation of the
building, so that when pieces fall, you will not have to remove
soil, just roll up the poly, to contain the asbestos.
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When removing material higher than 15 ft. A
chute must be used which is terminated at a covered waste trailer.
The Marvin H. Schaefer Inspection Service is providing this
information in hopes of answering the many questions we have
received over the years concerning asbestos-cement material. This
does not mean we are endorsing the use of these methods to anyone
who is not skilled enough to handle this material properly. We
cannot determine your own skill level; therefore if you decide to
implement any methods mentioned in this newsletter, you do so at
your own risk.
WARNING:
This newsletter contains information provided by
government agencies such as the EPA and the CT Dept. of Public
Health.
It was represented to us by an EPA official that
there are no Federal laws concerning removal or maintenance of
asbestos-cement material. Because of this we were refereed to the
CT. Dept. of Public Heath. They indicated to us that home owners can
repair, or remove asbestos-cement material provided certain safety
precautions are applied. There are however, State regulations for
the disposal of this material (see above).
Although the public may perform these home repairs
and improvements, it should be understood that some risk is
involved. If you are not absolutely sure you are able to perform
these activities safely, you should contact a qualified professional
to do them for you. The information
contained on this page is not exhaustive and is meant to be only an
overview. For complete documentation on this subject please contact
local or State heath officials.
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